Sharing concerns

Dear editor:
As a community member of Rainy River First Nation, I am still waiting for information on potential environmental impacts of the proposed Blackhawk mine on our lands of Rainy River First Nation.
As most people are aware, we are located about 12 miles south of the proposed Blackhawk mine location and we do face the greatest risk of contamination from the proposed mining operation.
I think it is now time to ask for any and all information on any approval/consent provided to New Gold, or its predecessors, for such mining development at the Blackhawk location.
As far as I’m concerned, any approval granted by the Rainy River First Nation membership will require full consultation, full assessment, and analysis of potential environmental impacts to our lands, to our water, to the air, to the wildlife, and to our people’s health.
It’s my view, any consent/approval granted to the Blackhawk mine as of this date must have a demonstrated majority of support from our on/off-reserve voting membership via plebiscite. Such a plebiscite should be paid by New Gold.
In my view, any mining development being pursued by New Gold at Blackhawk, Ont., should it be approved and supported, must have agreement on an abatement process fully funded by New Gold, must have an employment agreement guaranteeing a specific percentage of First Nation labour and management, and must have an agreement on resource-sharing, investment, and partnerships acceptable to Rainy River First Nation interest.
In closing, Mr. Editor, I have opted to publicly share some of my concerns about the proposed mine development at Blackhawk. I’m hoping our First Nation leadership already has addressed these concerns.
I’m also hoping New Gold is giving serious consideration to First Nation interests and benefits in relation to a proposed mining operation.
I’m sure New Gold would prefer to avoid agitation marked by dissonance and discontent with its proposed mining development.
(Signed),
H. Sonny McGinnis
Rainy River
First Nation, Ont.